Nancy Boyda first ran in 2004 against incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, a Republican, and lost. The Democrat is back for another go-round – this time, she says, trying to run more of a grassroots campaign instead of relying on the backing of the national party. She takes your questions at 2:15 p.m. Oct. 11.

BigDog

I am sure you are aware that despite campaign materials to the contrary, Congressman Ryun never voted in favor of the Medicare Part D benefit because of concerns he had with the legislation. If fact most of the Kansas delegation opposed it, Republican and Democrat. Besides allowing the federal government to negotiate lower drug costs, what specifically would you propose to improve this much needed benefit for seniors?

BigDog

Papers have written several articles in which you have stated that you are opposed to the war in Iraq and we should leave. Please tell us in detail, what you propose the plan be for getting the United States out of Iraq?

oscarfactor

Please answer these very simple questions: 1. Have you ever discussed the so-called NAFTA Super Corridor with KDOT Secretary of Transportation (and fellow Democrat)Deb Miller? 2. If so, what did she tell you? 3. Have you communicated with anyone at TxDOT about the Trans-Texas Corridor? 4. If so, what did they tell you? 5. Have you discussed this issue with fellow Democrat Dennis Moore? 6. If so, what did he tell you?

wakarusan

I am just wondering if you are going to launch an attack on your opponent regarding the house he “purchased” in D.C., and also another about his “relationship” with Jack Abramhoff? I really do not think the average Kansan knows the “real” story. Please make your opponent enlighten us.

News_to_me

Why is it that Democratic candidates refuse to respond to the catch phrase attacks by Republicans that they will cut and run? It seems to me that it is past time to defuse this attack by saying that, based on the mess the current administration has gotten us in to, there isn’t even a good way out, let alone a way to cut and run. Other possible reponses would be they only say that because they cannot run on their own record or simply we’ve got to clean up their mess and correct their errors that have cost us billions of dollars and far too many lives. Please repond.

lweinmaster

Will you sponsor H.R. 5940, Comprehensive Comparative Study of Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Population Act of 2006, comparing health outcomes and risks in vaccinated v. unvaccinated populations? Yes No Explain:

Do you support a ban on thimerosal, the mercury preservative and known neurotoxin, used in the influenza and other vaccines? Yes No Explain:

Will you sponsor H.R. 5887, Vaccine Safety Bill, far-reaching legislation that would reform the administration of vaccine safety by the Federal government?
Yes No Explain:

logrithmic

A federal judge recently ruled that Bush’s warrantless eavesdropping on American citizens was unconstitutional. We also know that Bush has detained American citizens for over three years without bringing charges. Do you believe the Bush administration is guilty of unconstitutional acts? And if so, do you believe that the Congress should open impeachment hearings?

disabled_Marine_Vet

what committees would you be interested in serving on if elected?

bbjmlawson

Recently, the Democrats seem to have a very good chance of winning a majority in the House of Representatives. Many races that were considered safe for Republicans have become very competitive. Can you share with us what you are seeing in your internal polling? If favorable, why hasn’t your race with Rep. Ryun garnered national attention as a race to watch?

mendicant

Is thereplace in the Democratic party for people that would like to see abortion diminish?

It appears that it is being used as method of birth control.

pushing60

While representing Kansas in the House, you will also be voting on national policies and issues which effect your local Kansans. Please explain your views on the situation throughout the middle east, not just in Irag but also the US position regarding Israel, the Palestinians, Lebanon and the other middle east countries.

JTS

How will you tackle the challenges that face Congress today differently than the incumbent?

jasonc_22

Nan-

You have several thousand yard signs out all across the 2nd Dist. this time around. Most professional political operatives would say that was a waste of money.

Why did you decide to buck that trend and plaster the country side with your name?

Jason

opinion

Hi Nancy,

What specific problems or positions prompted you to leave the Republican Party? Do you agree with their basic economic and social planks? Did you when you were in the party?

Thanks

youngitized

Why haven’t you attacked Jim Ryun more on his dealings with Jack Abramoff and Tom DeLay?

Moderator

Good afternoon. This is Dennis Anderson, managing editor of the Lawrence Journal-World. I will be moderating today’s online chat with Nancy Boyda, Democratic candidate for Congress in the second district. Welcome, Mrs. Boyda.

Nancy Boyda

Thank you Dennis! I love this. Feels very interactive. Hope we get some good questions.

Moderator

We apologize for the delay. We’ve had some technical difficulties. Here comes the first question.

justthefacts

If elected, what specific things will you do (or not do) that differ from the incumbent?

Why do you think negative campaigns continue to be run?

It appears that the day & age of compromise, civility, good-manners and the statesman (or woman) is dead and gone and that the atmosphere in DC (Madeline Albright called it “toxic”). Why do you think this is so, and is there anything that anyone (officials or general public) can do about the level of acrimony and animosity in politics?

Nancy Boyda

I actually have a great deal of hope…..certainly a lot more than two years ago. People have had it and they are ready for change.

What gives me the most hope is the James Bker Iraq study group. It’s a BIPARTISAN group of high level, well respected diplomats, military people and policy people who have been asked to step in a provide some “adult supervision” for this administration. They are expected to provide recommendations about Iraq AFTER the election. That works for me. We HAVE to take politics out adn get to real solutions.

I pray (literally) their recommendations will be ones I and the American people can get behind. After the Iraq study group, we MUST have healthcare and energy policy study groups. All the big issues will absolutely require bipartisan solutions.

As a life long REpublican and Democrat for last 3 years, I speak both languages pretty well. I think I’m in a unique position to work with both sides of the aisle.

samsonwharris

It has been argued that there are only two solutions to the War in Iraq – stay the course or leave. Is there a middle ground and can you see benifit to a middle ground?

Nancy Boyda

YES! Of course there is middle ground. The Republicans have framed the discussion to “are you for cut and run or are you for stay the course?” It’s done a great deal to STOP real discussion and make sure NO solutions are found. We can’t solve these important issues with quick slogans…our democracy depends on a discussion of the issues. The Baker Iraq study group will certainly be looking for middle ground. Thank heaven!

laurensturm

Dear Nancy,

In your first 100 days, what would be your highest priority for legislative accomplishment as our new 2nd District Rep.?

Nancy Boyda

1) We must break the tie between money and elections. That starts with electing representatives who are not in teh pockets of big money. Then…..we MUST look at real campaign reform.
2) I think Congress has 18-24 months to come up wiht a BIPARTISAN solution to healthcare and to energy. I hope to be part of voice that will holler from teh rooftops until that is heard.
Nothing will change until WE change Congress. If you want REAL change, we need to elect good people, but then YOU need to stay involved and hold Congress accountable.

sarahkatheryn

What would you do to fix the health care crisis in America?

Nancy Boyda

We need a BIPARTISAN solution to healthcare. There are 300 MILLION of us in this country. THere isn;t a perfect plan for everyone. If the dems or the republicans try to do it alone, it will get killed.

We already spend twice as much as other industrialzed countries on healthcare. We don’t need to spend more money, we need to spend it smarter…..much smarter. This bi-partisan plan should look at Universal Healthcare, the Massachusetts plan, the California plan. Everything has problems, everything has benefits.

I feel certain Americans can solve this if stop the paritisan bickering.

Moderator

Our time with Mrs. Boyda is limited today. I want to thank her for coming in an answering our readers’ questions.

Nancy Boyda

Thank you for the good questions. Not surprising a lot of questions about healthcare. It’s on everyone’s mind. Four more weeks! I’m aksing for your votes. We must have chnage in Congress! Hope to see you all on Victory night at the Topeka Ramada.